Watch Flash Gordon Conquers the Universe

Flash Gordon Conquers the Universe is a 1940 science fiction film serial based on the comic strip character of the same name created by Alex Raymond. The movie is directed by Ford Beebe and Ray Taylor, and produced by Henry MacRae. It stars Buster Crabbe as Flash Gordon, Carol Hughes as Dale Arden, and Charles Middleton as the villainous Ming the Merciless.

The story starts when a mysterious plague called the "Purple Death" spreads throughout the world, killing millions of people. Flash Gordon, Dale Arden, and Dr. Hans Zarkov (played by Frank Shannon) set out on a mission to find a cure for the disease. They soon discover that the source of the plague is a planet called Mongo, which is ruled by the evil Emperor Ming (Middleton).

Flash, Dale, and Zarkov travel to Mongo in a spaceship, where they encounter a hostile environment filled with dangerous creatures and powerful war machines. They also meet an array of strange and colorful characters, including the beautiful but treacherous Princess Aura (played by Anne Gwynne), the heroic Prince Barin (played by Richard Alexander), and the cunning spy, Captain Torch (played by Don Rowan).

As Flash and his companions navigate through the chaotic world of Mongo, they must not only battle Ming's armies but also overcome treacherous allies who seek to betray them at every turn. Gradually, they learn the secrets of Ming's power and how to exploit his weaknesses using their own resourcefulness and ingenuity.

The film is notable for its impressive special effects, elaborate set designs, and thrilling action sequences. The futuristic technology on display, such as the flying rocket ships and deadly ray guns, captured the imaginations of audiences in the early 1940s and influenced the development of science fiction films for decades to come.

Flash Gordon Conquers the Universe is the third and final installment in the Flash Gordon film serial produced by Universal Pictures. It was initially released as a 12-chapter serial, with each episode ending in a cliffhanger that left audiences eagerly anticipating the next installment. The serial was later edited down into a feature-length film that was re-released in theaters in the 1950s and 1960s.

The film's enduring popularity has led to numerous adaptations and spin-offs, including a television series and a 1980 feature film directed by Mike Hodges and starring Sam J. Jones as Flash Gordon. Despite its campy and sometimes cheesy elements, the original Flash Gordon Conquers the Universe remains a classic of early science fiction cinema, beloved by fans of the genre and nostalgic cinema lovers alike.

In conclusion, Flash Gordon Conquers the Universe is an exciting and imaginative science fiction adventure featuring iconic characters, thrilling action, and cutting-edge special effects for its time. The film stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of the Flash Gordon franchise and its enduring influence on science fiction cinema.

Flash Gordon Conquers the Universe is a 1940 science fiction movie with a runtime of 3 hours and 15 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6.